That Ship Has Sailed

Chapter 6: Same Script, Different Cast

Derek decided to cut through the tension. "Look, if you're worried that you're losing your jobs. Don't be. This individual wanted to keep this a private matter until he or she was ready. Let's please respect that..."

"I'm leaving!"

All eyes turned to Issac Lahey who stood up from his chair. Theo leaned back, folded his arms, and said nothing.

"Issac?" Violet gasped. "But you're one of the leads! You're leaving the show?"

Issac looked down. "It's nothing against the show or Derek or Stiles. I loved working with you guys. But mates, I have some personal problems at home that I need to take care of. I can't do it while being on the show. Stiles and Derek have graciously understood this and released me from my contract. I ask that you be respectful of my wishes."

"Of course," Malia smiled, tears filling her eyes. "We wish you the best." She got up the table and hugged him. Soon everyone was embracing Issac, including a reluctant Theo who managed to keep it all together.

After the congratulations and farewells, Stiles decided to break up the sad news. "Now that the news is out. Yes, Isaac's character, Sherman, will not be returning to the show. Hence, we will be adding new cast members for Season Five. We're all professionals here and I hope you can be supportive as we go about casting for the upcoming year."

"In addition," Derek added. "You've all signed NDA's to not discuss any spoilers about the show so please refrain from posting or discussing anything on social media about future scripts. We will make a formal announcement about Issac's departure and our new casting choices. Understood?"

All nodded.

Stiles turned serious. "All righty then. The first round of filming begins tonight at 10 p.m. Please pick up your call sheets to see what scenes are being shot!"

Everyone at the table disbanded as they grabbed their sheets to see what time and days they were shooting. Issac looked at his and compared notes with Theo.

"Oh man, mate," he stated with disappointment. "They really want to work me until the very end. I've got the ten o'clock call tonight. What about you?"

Theo looked at his and grinned. "Got lucky. My scenes aren't until 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. I'm going to sleep in."

"I'm going to try to do the same before tonight," Issac mentioned. "Okay then, see you tomorrow. And thanks again for all the bloody support, friend!"

"Anytime, mate!" He teased the Brit. Watching him leave, Theo swallowed hard as he considered all the new changes that were happening to the show. Secretly, he wished things were not moving so fast. He wished things slowed down a bit and everyone understood all the apprehensions and frustrations building up inside of him. He wished he had someone to talk to.

Someone like Liam Dunbar.

----------------------------------------

Liam would have been home by the afternoon, but his mother insisted that they stop by Costclub, the premier warehouse grocery chain, to buy cases of frozen food, snacks, and easy to make meals for her son. Leave it up, Satomi Ito-Geyer to be the overbearing, overprotective mother who ensures her son never goes hungry. After loading his small car with a cooler of groceries, he made the two-hour drive to Los Feliz and unpacked and stuffed all the food inside the freezer and fridge. At least, Hayden would be happy that there was free food in the house. As working Hollywood actors, the need to be frugal with groceries was a constant.